NO THANK YOU, WE'RE BRITISH!

It is amazing the rubbish you find on the web. I decided to do a search for images of auto accidents, but not serious ones, just the funny stupid ones? Here is just a very brief overview of the millions of stupid images that I found. Be glad there is so few, I spent far too long fixed to the screen laughing and gasping at the treasures I found.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

I have mentioned before how every now and then little things happen to me or I take part in, that remind me of what I missed out on NOT growing up in America. And how these events make me a little more American? Well I think I can safely say that I have now become a member of the family. Last night after a few drinks at the local (Happy Village), a few of us climbed into a car (the driver was sober) and fired FIREWORKS out of the car window, whilst on our way to the next watering hole. It was histerical! And who said the British were no fun.

MOVIE NIGHT RAINED OFF

This summer I have made a point of attending the free movies in Grant park every tuesday. last night My Darling Clementine was scheduled to air, but instead of this weeks movie Chicago experienced two months of rain fall condensed into 12 hours. We needed it. So instead a couple of us went over to a friends house, put a bed sheet on the wall and had our own movie night. After watching 20 minutes of TWO films! we settled on KISS ME DEADLY, a black and white film about a Bedroom Dick (?) from 1955. It was great! Click on the link to get the full low down.

FUTURE MR. HOOTON

Every now and then I am reminded of what I missed out on NOT growing up in America. Last night a group of friends and I climbed in a car and drove to Joliet and I experienced my very first DEMOLITION DERBY! It was rediculous how much fun we all had. The beer came in 2 sizes, Large and JUMBO! I don't need to say which size we were drinking. After hours of laughing to the point of tears it was time to head back to Chicago, but not before going on the bouncey castle (moon walker?). As with all kids games, everything was fine until my forehead came in contact with J's cheek and then we had to leave. Can't wait to go again!

GIANTS LIVING ROOM

Back at Butler Field (that's the part of Grant Park directly behind the Art Institute to you and me) last night for Annie Hall. What a fantastic film! I had never seen it before and only loosely knew what it was about. It must have been well before it's time when it was originally released. Can't imagine seeing it anywhere but on a 50ft screen in the open air, surrounded by 10,000 of my closest friends, with the cityscape as wallpaper. If the SPOONERS could stay in their bedrooms next week, it would be greatly appreciated!

ONE HANDED WONDER!

I am sat at my computer at home typing with only my right hand, while my left hand enjoys some electronic stimulation. Now this isn't something I purchased myself, rather it has been loaned to me for 4 weeks! It seems my surgeon feels that my finger (HELPNG HAND) needs a little extra help which comes in the form of a little battery powered box called the EMS-6500. It's a little machine that sends an electrical current through said muscle that is supposed to kick start the "motor" that controls the injuried tendon. Even though I have used a similar machine in physical therapy, using it at home, alone, is a little daunting. Wish me luck.

VISION WEEK

So, VISION (River Norths gallery festival) opened last night. I hate to say it, but nothing new. It was more like a review of the best work of the photo department at Columbia, which I guess is a compliment of some form. Left River North and headed over to the West Loop (Peoria and Randolph). Again nothing really new or fresh. Not everyone was open because of Vision, but one thing did catch my eye. John Sparagana at Monique Meloche Gallery stresses photo spreads he finds in fashion magazines, by rolling and creasing. This changes the previously glossy imagery into tissue paper thin redissons. I first saw his work on the front cover of TENBYTEN and it stuck me then as original, that I purchased the magazine.

ONLINE BOARD GAMES

A couple of months ago a good friend of mine, Tammy Jo Dearen, moved back to her home town of L.A. leaving me one friend and backgammon partner short. We promised to keep in touch and to sign up for backgammon online to continue the tradition. We talk more often than I apprecaite my phone bill telling me, however, due to a small time difference and two busy schedules, we still haven't managed to get online at the same time for a game or two. The other day I broke down and went online to play random strangers. I was hooked immedtiately! An hour or so later my enthusiasm for the game not dented, I was starting to resent my opponents. Whether they were winning or losing, at a certain point towards the end of the game they would leave! I would win by forfeit. I found this thoughtly frustrating as a person who had only ever played previously face to face till the end, even if it was obviously to my demise. After calling the computer screen a few choice words I resided to the fact that it was just another sign of how technology distances us from real things and allows us to take full advantage of automacy.

VEGGIE MY ARSE!

This posting is to warn those who enjoy a local chicago establishment called JUBILEE JUICE. Now I often order a fruit smoothie from this deli/juice bar/grill joint, but never again. Yesterday I ordered a "Veggie Burger" made of soy and vegetables and whilst consuming it thought "Hmm, this tastes a little funny, even animal fatty, but I'm sure it's just me, because there's no meat or by-product in it for me to get ill from." Big Mistake. Within two hours I was feeling nauseous and by midnight I knew my fate. Violent vomiting! And what do you think I saw when I looked down... a veggie burger. So, again this a warning to those who enjoy this pit stop location. Next time thing twice and save the money.

BLACK AND BLUE

Another great night at HAPPY VILLAGE! Hoping that the movie (and I know there's at least one) with shed light on the bruises I have acquired on my right shoulder blade and arse!! Apart from that, can't wait for next week.

GAME ON!

It's Friday, which can only mean one thing? HAPPY VILLAGE! Where I just found out you can take Swing and Jitters Bug Classes? It's also CANADA DAY so be kind and have a Fin Du Monde in celebration. CHEERS!